Believer has already been picked up by HBO Films.
The Sundance Film Festival has dozens of movies that are being premiered for the first time. One movie, in particular, has already been creating a buzz in both the film industry and the press.
‘Believer’, New Mormon Documentary, Gets Standing Ovation at Sundance[/tweetthis]
The movie is Believer. It is a documentary that focuses on the front man of the rock band Imagine Dragons, Dan Reynolds, as he reconciles his faith as a Mormon with the Mormon Church’s stance on the LGBT community.
What particularly draws Reynolds to participate in the documentary and take independent steps is the stark rise in suicide rates for LGBT teens in Utah, which has been attributed to the decision of the Mormon Church to label LGBT Mormons as apostates, or removed from all church functions.
The suicide rates have become so high that the governor has ordered a task force to help contront the issue and propose possible policy recommendations.
The movie premiered at Sundance on Saturday night, with a standing ovation and generally positive reviews to the documentary. The documentary focuses on Reynolds connecting with individuals that have been affected by suicides as well as his creation of the LoveLoud Festival, a musical festival designed to bridge the gap between the LGBT community and the Mormon Church. The first event took place at Orem, Utah, with plans to continue the festival every year.
With the new presidency of Russell Nelson, it is likely there will be no change in the official stance toward the LGBT community. In fact, President Nelson is in the documentary in various speeches attacking the LGBT community.
Unlike most of the movies that are premiered at Sundance, the movie had already been picked up by HBO Films before it was even shown. The movie will have a limited movie release in the summer and then will be shown on HBO in the fall.
Imagine Dragons is nominated for two 2018 GRAMMY Awards: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Thunder” and Best Pop Vocal Album for Evolve.